Forsman, Hilma

Abstract [en]

The educational underachievement of children in foster care has been known for a long time. This study aimed to compile and analyze the current knowledge about interventions, intended to improve foster children’s school achievements. The method used was a systematically undertaken narrative review. Despite a comprehensive searching strategy, only ten relevant studies were found, indicating that little has been done to improve the educational outcomes for children in public care. The result shows that eight out of the ten interventions were effective in some way. Literacy appeared to be improved with fairly modest efforts, whilst improvements in numeracy, seemed to need more directed interventions. Among the success factors were providing books, tuition or structured individualized support and involving carers, school and foster care agencies in the process. An implication for the future is that foster children’s poor academic achievements can be improved with focused support. Also there’s a definite need for more intervention studies.